“Glory-Driven, Not Goal-Driven: Who Gets the Credit?”
OPENING PRAYER:
God, purify our motives. Teach us to serve not for recognition, but for Your delight—let Your glory be our deepest joy.
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8 (NIV)
Jesus recasts our understanding of success—fruitfulness is not about what we gain, but about who gets the glory.
REFLECT:
Rodney challenged the consumer mindset that pervades even our spiritual lives: “That’s not a very American verse.” We are conditioned to ask, “What’s in it for me?” But Jesus turns the question: “This is to my Father’s glory.” Our service, our sacrifice, our fruitfulness—none of it is ultimately about us.
Even good things can become self-focused if we lose sight of God’s glory. Rodney pointed to Jesus’ own example in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours be done.” Our greatest fulfillment comes not from applause or recognition, but from knowing we have pleased the heart of God.
Let your motivation shift from self to God. When fruit is born for His sake, it endures. When our lives point to Him, we become truly free.
APPLY:
Before your next act of service, pause and pray aloud, “Father, this is for You.” Let that intention shape your actions and your heart.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will take one concrete step towards serving, or I will invite someone to serve with me.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, be glorified in us. Free us from the tyranny of self and let every act of service echo Your love in the world.
PRAYER REQUEST:
Share your prayer request and pray for others.
CONTINUED READING:
This weekend, we talked about taking the next step—and sometimes that step is simply getting started. If you've never served at Pathway, or if it's been a while, we'd love to help you find your place. Just open the Pathway App, tap Get Involved, or visit the website at pathwaychurch.com/volunteer to explore where you could jump in. And if you're already serving, here's your challenge this week: invite someone to serve alongside you. Some of the greatest growth happens when we serve together, so don't keep that opportunity to yourself!